Ravens: Lewis report won't be a distraction

DAVID GINSBURGAP Sports Writer Published: January 31, 2013 1:00 PM

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The Baltimore Ravens say a report linking linebacker Ray Lewis to performance-enhancing drugs won't be a distraction in their preparation for the Super Bowl.

An article in Sports Illustrated said Lewis sought help from a company that says its deer-antler spray and pills contain a banned product connected to human growth hormone.

Lewis on Wednesday denied ever using the drugs in his effort to return from a torn right triceps.

The Ravens and the 37-year-old linebacker are preparing to face San Francisco in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Baltimore's Bobbie Williams says the team wants to stay away from anything that has to do with the controversy. The guard says "Ray is an awesome guy and we're here to play football. We don't even want to give that any merit."